"Scott en Aztlán" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 21 Jun 2005 07:47:12 -0700, Wayne Howell
wrote:

When I got interested in getting a Pro-95, a couple of months ago, I
went into our local Radio Shack and asked to see one. I was told "We
don't sell scanners." I advised them that both the catalog and the web
site showed that the did. The clerk told me "Radio Shack has
discontinued doing scanner.....we can't get any more." I tried once
more--insisting that even if _they_ didn't have them, RS was still
selling them. Again the clerk said "We've tried. We can't even order
scanners any more, RC has discontinued them.

Here's what I would have done:

Asked the clerk for his name and the name and phone number of his
district manager. If he asked me why, I'd reply that I want to confirm
Radio Shack's decision to discontinue carrying scanners. If he didn't
cave in at that point, I would call the district manager right then
and there from my cell phone, ask the question, and then explain that
insert clerk's name here at inster store number and/or location
here is telling me that RS no longer carries scanners. If necessary,
I'd hand the phone to the clerk and have him tell his DM what he just
told me. Then I would have watched as the clerk began wincing from the
tongue-lashing the DM would give him.

Within a week or two, that store would have a new manager... And there
would be a full line of scanners gracing the shelves. And that lying
punk of a clerk would be gone, as well.

Well, since I'm in Canada, RS is not even an issue as far as buying gear.
I'll tell you one thing - I had a similar experience - even to the point of
showing the the Cat. Number, and was willing to pay cash on the spot. The
'manager' - then told me - "Even if you order it today, it'll take 6 weeks
before we can get the item. Besides, the radio you want won't pick up
Ambulance, Fire or Police was they use "SPECIAL TONES" that are scrambled.

We were talking about the Pro-95.

I calmly waived the 600.00 cash in her direction, and said 'thanks...think
I'll go elsewhere.".

They didn't even try to dissuade me from leaving! Unbelieveable. I went
elsewhere and bought a great scanner for less, plus I received a floppy of
local freq's and a printout of many more useful freq's that were active in
my area. I received a free leather case as I purchased on a 'sale-day'.

For plugs, wire and misc electronics I'll still go to RS if I have to.
Anything over 10 bucks, I take my business elsewhere.

If I had time, I'd post the real story. It's a funny story, however it's a
very sad indicator of the Radio Shack chain's refusal to help customers.

Mike T.